How To Stay Safe During A Lightning Storm

Lightning can strike on the most beautiful of days. It can be brought on by heat, an oncoming thunderstorm or remnants of a storm that fell apart. The only real predictor of lightning is hearing thunder. When you see a lightning storm, take shelter immediately, if possible.

Step 1

Seek shelter when you hear thunder, lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the heart of a thunderstorm. Take cover, preferably in a brick-and-mortar building such as a house, and stay away from all windows and doors. Metal attracts lightning and conducts electricity, so stay away from metal sheds and outbuildings.

Step 2

Remove any metal objects on your possession, if there are no buildings available for shelter. Sports teams that are often caught in thunder-and-lightning storms remove all shoes or equipment with metal cleats or handles. Stay away from metal bleachers and fences.

Step 3

Stay away from trees. Though a tall tree may seem like a sturdy structure to take shelter under during a lightning storm, it is one of the worst places to hide.

Step 4

Get away from water. On or in water is the absolute worst place to be during a lightning storm. Water is a conductor of electricity, so there is no safe place on a lake or pond to hide.

Step 5

Stay off of corded telephones, computers and any other electrical equipment in the home.

Step 6

Stay away from all plumbing outlets in the shelter. Lightning can follow the path of water.

Step 7

Use surge protectors for all electrical equipment to reduce the chance of fires starting due to lightning strikes.

Step 8

Install ground fault protectors on all outlets near plumbing fixtures. This should be done in all homes.